A rare copy of the first-ever Beano comic has sold for a record £17,300.

The 28-page comic, which was printed in 1938, is one of only 25 copies still in existence.

It cost two pence when it was first published almost 80 years ago and features characters including ostrich Big Eggo and Lord Snooty and His Pals.

Malcolm Phillips, of London-based Comic Book Auctions, said: “We guessed the price might go over the pre-sale estimate of £5,000 because of the sheer amount of interest we had before the sale, but we never expected it to be three times that much.

“We had two very serious bidders who had to have it. It is the perfect scenario for any auctioneer.

“The seller is another collector. I haven’t spoken to him yet but I image he will be delighted with the price. He has sold it to help contribute to his retirement fund.

“The Beano has a place in every comic book collector’s heart as it was the most popular comic book in the country. This piece is the number one trophy item.”